1998 Ford Laser vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (128 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 200 kg more than 1998 Ford Laser.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Laser | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Laser | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
